Name the type of equilibrium for each position of the ball
Answer Details
To determine the type of equilibrium for each position of the ball, we need to understand what each type of equilibrium means.
1. **Unstable equilibrium**: This occurs when a small disturbance or change in the system causes the object to move away from its equilibrium position. In other words, the system is "unstable" and will not return to its original position on its own.
2. **Neutral equilibrium**: This occurs when a small disturbance or change in the system does not cause the object to move away from its equilibrium position. The system remains in its new position without any tendency to return to its original position.
3. **Stable equilibrium**: This occurs when a small disturbance or change in the system causes the object to move away from its equilibrium position, but the system has a tendency to return to its original position on its own.
Now, let's analyze each position of the ball:
A - **Unstable equilibrium**: Suppose the ball is placed at position A. If the ball is slightly disturbed or moved from this position, it will roll away further from its original position and won't come back on its own. Hence, position A is an unstable equilibrium.
B - **Stable equilibrium**: Suppose the ball is placed at position B. If the ball is slightly disturbed or moved from this position, it will oscillate back and forth but eventually come back to its original position. This indicates that position B is a stable equilibrium.
C - **Neutral equilibrium**: Suppose the ball is placed at position C. If the ball is slightly disturbed or moved from this position, it will stay at the new position without any tendency to return to its original position. This identifies position C as a neutral equilibrium.
Based on the explanations above, the correct answer is:
A - unstable, B - stable, C - neutral.